MOUNT VERNON — Knox County residents have joined forces with citizens across the United States in an effort to recycle everything from cardboard to metal cans and household and business paper, including newsprint, to keep tons of unnecessary waste out of landfills.

Twice each year, the Mount Vernon News offers an opportunity for residents to recycle old newspapers and magazines in a drive-through recycling drive.

“This is a service we like to offer our readers because it is convenient for them and allows us to make a face-to-face connection with them, if only for a few minutes,” said Kay Culbertson, News publisher.

Over 350 cars passed through the four-hour event in April 2009, and Culbertson hopes readers take advantage of Saturday’s predicted good weather to recycle.

Although newsprint is made from a combination of virgin pulp from trees and recyled materials, Culbertson said it is important for readers to understand the responsibility newsprint makers feel toward the environment and the trees that are harvested to make the product.

“Our provider of newsprint actually grows its own trees,” Culbertson said. “For every tree they cut down, they plant another one. We are not losing forests or wooded areas to produce newsprint.”

Those interested in dropping off unwanted newspapers and magazines can do so between 8 a.m. and noon on Saturday, said Mike McNichols, News circulation manager.

“The drop-off can be accessed from South Gay Street at our dock area on the southeast corner of our building,” McNichols said. “From there you don’t even have to get out of your car — we will take care of everything.”

Residents who bring a completed coupon to the recycling event on Saturday will receive one free month of the News. A coupon can be found on Page 6 of today’s edition.

“This is our way of thanking our readers for joining in our efforts to recycle,” Culbertson said. “For those who are not regular subscribers, we hope it gives them the opportunity to see the value of local news and information.”